AMARILLO, TX, U.S.A.
U.S. MARINE CORPS
MAJ, MAR AVIATION AND WEAPONS TACTICS SQDN ONE, MARINE CORPS AIR STATION, YUMA, AZ
02/22/2012, CALIFORNIA-ARIZONA BORDER, U.S.A.
MAJ Nathan W. Anderson, 32, was assigned to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, AZ.
MAJ Anderson, of Amarillo, TX, was commissioned a 2LT in the Marine Corps on December 20, 2002, and served as a UH-1Y Huey pilot. A decorated Marine, he completed three deployments in the Global War on Terrorism in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Nathan was born in Pampa, TX on October 24, 1979. He married Amanda Caroline Cooper, of Elwood, TX, on August 18, 2001. They have 2 children.
Nathan died on February 22, 2012 in the Chocolate Mountains of California while conducting a training mission for the United States Marine Corps.
Nathan embodied the quiet confidence of a born leader, never bragging, always approachable, and loved by everyone who knew him. He not only saved lives – literally – he inspired people to be better husbands, fathers and Marines. After his death, messages from those who served with him contained a single theme – he was the kind of man everyone aspired to be.
Nathan was a 1998 graduate of Amarillo High, and Texas A&M University. He was a member of the Corp of Cadets Company H-1, and served as a Ross Volunteer. Nathan achieved his goal of becoming one of the top Huey pilots in the Marine Corps. He was a natural leader, the Huey was the perfect fit where he gained the respect of fellow pilots and Huey Crew Chiefs alike. He attended flight training in Pensacola, FL in 2003 and earned his wings on February 25, 2005. He moved with his family to Jacksonville, NC.
Nathan excelled as a Huey helicopter pilot and was a leader in the squadron, training and influencing less experienced pilots. He gained an impeccable reputation and was asked to become an Instructor Pilot at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS 1), the elite of Marine aviation, in Yuma, AZ.
“Nathan’s great strength and humility inspired others. Many people will hear about the great achievements of Nathan Anderson. But I will remember his greatest contribution, his example.” – an example of one of the many messages sent from those he served with.